Researchers found that nitrification inhibitors and maize straw can reduce fertilizer-derived N₂O emissions, but effectiveness varies by soil type. Soils with high pH and active nitrogen cycling respond better to these treatments, leading to significant emission reductions.
Climate change and air pollution threaten food systems, while agricultural activities contribute to global warming and poor air quality. Implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies within the food system can reduce emissions and improve resilience.
A new study led by Colorado State University found that agricultural nitrogen fertilizer is the primary cause of seasonal carbon cycle swings. This discovery adds to scientific understanding of the carbon cycle and could help inform climate change mitigation strategies.
The amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed for corn production has been rising due to increased yield demands and nutrient loss during wetter springs. Improving efficiency through practices like crop rotation and spring fertilizer application can help reduce environmental losses.
Researchers have developed glass fertilizer beads that control nutrient release, boosting plant productivity without harming soil quality. The beads were found to be efficient and sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilizers, with minimal ecotoxicity.
Researchers developed a liquid fertilizer replacing unsustainable chemical fertilizers with organic waste, producing up to 100% of nitrogen and 77% of phosphorus. The method also increases phosphorus solubility by adjusting pH levels.
A new collaborative research team is developing sorghum hybrids with nitrogen-saving traits by leveraging genetic diversity from wild relatives. The project aims to reduce fertilizer application levels, increase resilience, and productivity for grain sorghum producers.
A team of Illinois researchers has been awarded $5 million to create a new variety of corn called NSave, which aims to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use while maintaining crop yield. The project's goal is to lower costs for farmers and reduce the country's reliance on foreign fertilizer imports.
Researchers have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizer production by harnessing the Earth's natural heat and forces to cook up ammonia. The new recipe uses iron-rich rocks and nitrogen-laced water, producing about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, with no energy input or CO2 emission.
A recent study from the University of Illinois shows that gene-edited bacteria can supply equivalent of 35 pounds of nitrogen from air during early corn growth, increasing vegetative growth, nitrogen accumulation and yield by an average of 2 bushels per acre.
A recent study found a 59% decrease in river antibiotic pollution due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct discharge. However, this reduction came with an unintended consequence: increased antibiotic leaching into groundwater by 15%, mainly from expanded manure use as fertilizer.
Researchers at Stanford University developed a prototype device that can produce ammonia from water vapor and nitrogen in the air using wind energy. The technology has the potential to eliminate the need for a century-old method of producing ammonia, which consumes 2% of global energy and contributes 1% of annual carbon dioxide emissions.
A global analysis suggests that recycling human and livestock excreta can contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide. Recycling these nutrients could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% for nitrogen, 3% for phosphorus, and 36% for potassium.
A new study finds that heavy rains deliver the greatest amounts of fertilizer-derived nitrogen through creeks and rivers into the northern Gulf of Mexico. The research can be used to develop policies to protect the gulf from nutrient overloading, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen-depleted 'dead zones'.
A new long-term soil health survey in Uganda aims to understand the role of tenure security and plot decision-makers in soil health outcomes. The survey identifies differences in soil health between plots managed by women farmers and men farmers.
Researchers from RCEES have developed a sustainable technology to selectively reduce nitrate to ammonium, increasing rice yield by over 20% while reducing fertilizer usage. The approach also improves nitrogen absorption and reduces environmental risks associated with nitrate pollution.
A new nitrification inhibitor, copper pyrazole, has been developed to slow down the nitrification and denitrification processes in nitrogen transformation. The study found that copper pyrazole reduces urease activity and lowers the levels of key genes involved in nitrogen cycling.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers finds that nearly half of soybean-related emissions come from the natural processes in soil, which can be mitigated through strategies like planting winter cover crops and adjusting planting schedules. These solutions have been found to reduce emissions by one-third while increasing yields.
A recent study found that heavy rains after droughts can cause nitrates to seep into groundwater in as little as 10 days. The study highlights the need for affordable, real-time soil nitrate monitoring tools to help farmers manage fertilizer use efficiently.
Researchers at Utah State University and Polytechnic University of Madrid report a simpler pathway for nitrogen fixation in plants, involving just seven genes. This discovery could alleviate hunger in less-developed areas and reduce the carbon footprint of fertilizer production.
Increased nitrogen deposition from human activity is reducing diversity and evolutionary distinctiveness of nitrogen-fixing plants. The loss of these plants threatens both biodiversity and ecosystem stability, according to a study published in Science Advances.
A study links droughts in Southern Africa to a massive plankton bloom off Madagascar's southeast coast. Climate warming intensified the dust particles carried by wind, which acted as fertilizer in seawater, creating ideal conditions for phytoplankton growth.
Researchers found that new wheat cultivars achieve 16% higher yields under current climate conditions, but overall nitrogen needs will increase with global warming. The team recommends a systemic approach to food security, combining agricultural science, environmental aspects, and policy makers.
A new multi-state study identified three management tips to extend green color and reduce cold-weather injury in hybrid bermudagrass: raising mowing height, applying nitrogen fertilizer in the fall, and maintaining adequate soil moisture. The research found that slow-release nitrogen applications through mid-September had positive impa...
Researchers found that nitrogen applications had a limited impact on soybean yields, with no consistent benefit from single applications. However, a single application at planting showed increased yields in certain conditions, particularly in soils with low organic matter.
A recent study from the University of Illinois provides new insights into the sources and processes affecting nitrogen load in tile drainage water. The research team found a large legacy pool of nitrate in the soil, resulting in a time lag between when nitrogen is added to the system and when it is exported as nitrate in tile drainage.
The study analyzed historical trends in sugarcane and sugar beet yield, agricultural input, carbon footprint, and economic benefits in China. By adopting optimized crop models, GHG emission reduction potential can be achieved by 32% and total annual cost can be reduced by 24% by 2030.
A recent study found that high nitrogen fertilizer application significantly enhances soil carbon sequestration, primarily through vertical transport of organic matter. This redistribution leads to a greater distribution of new organic carbon in deeper soil layers, resulting in increased soil carbon storage.
Studies explore converting leftover wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer for agricultural crops. Using a fungal treatment, researchers found significant increases in nitrate and ammonia concentrations, increasing nutrient availability. The method also removes toxic compounds, enabling circular economy applications.
A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.
A research team at Ruhr University Bochum has developed a catalyst that can convert ammonia into hydrogen and nitrite, producing both a clean energy carrier and a fertilizer precursor simultaneously. The process doubles the hydrogen yield while minimizing nitrogen production.
Researchers are developing solutions to reduce nitrogen fertilizer-related emissions and accelerate drought-resistant tea varieties. The trials will inform a new tea typology, enabling accurate carbon footprint calculation across the industry.
Researchers developed low-cost, real-time sensors that can monitor nitrate in soil, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on fertilizer usage. The sensors have been tested in various soil types and showed accurate results.
A new study by RIKEN CSRS shows that biomass from purple photosynthetic marine bacterium Rhodovulum sulfidophilum is an excellent nitrogen fertilizer, effective as inorganic synthetic fertilizers but with lower environmental side effects. The biomass boosts plant growth without altering soil pH or salinity.
A study found that smallholder farmers in Tanzania used more fertilizer and had higher crop yields after an intervention, but the benefits did not last. The researchers attribute the lack of long-term adoption to liquidity constraints and structural factors such as fertilizer availability.
A new method discovered by researchers has the potential to reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions in Europe by one-third. The solution involves growing special bacteria that can convert harmful nitrous oxide into harmless nitrogen gas, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new tool identifies toxic metals in mineral phosphate fertilizers worldwide, with higher levels found in US and Middle East fertilizers compared to China and India. Researchers use strontium isotopes to detect fertilizer impacts on soil and water resources.
Shifting excess nitrogen from rich countries to poor ones could increase crop production by 12%, with moderate/food insecure regions seeing significant gains in both fertilizer use and food output. Current levels of production could be maintained with only 53-68% of current nitrogen used through redistribution.
A new accounting method evaluates the impact of agricultural practices on nitrous oxide emissions, finding long-term no-till management and specific fertilizer types can effectively cut emissions. The study provides a more accurate estimate of N2O emissions than previous methods, enabling policymakers to make informed recommendations.
Researchers propose green intelligent fertilizers to address the gap between fertilizer industry and agriculture, promoting eco-friendly practices and maximizing nutrient utilization. The new fertilizers aim to improve crop yield, quality, and nutritional balance while minimizing environmental footprint.
The Yangtze River Basin faces severe water quality issues due to excessive fertilizer and pesticide use, as well as the inappropriate disposal of agricultural waste. The study highlights the need for balancing green agriculture with development to ensure food security and water quality.
Researchers analyze solutions implemented in four Brazilian cities, proposing a national carbon credit fund to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase revenue through the circular economy. The study finds that efficient waste management can produce fertilizer, biogas, and generate significant economic benefits.
The study assesses sustainable food system thresholds and proposes management strategies to reduce resource input and environmental impacts. Current indicators show that global cropland area has surpassed the upper boundary, while agricultural water use and fertilizer applications have also exceeded sustainability limits.
This study found that high nitrogen fertilizer input shaped more complex microbial networks in paddy soils, with positive links predominating across all networks. The proportion of negative links was increased in the high-N network, suggesting potential competition among microbes.
Researchers created an AI-enabled model to help mitigate global ammonia emissions from agriculture. By optimizing fertilizer management, the model can effectively reduce emissions by up to 38%, with Asia having the highest potential for reduction.
A long-term study found that green manuring strengthens core microbiomes in soils, promoting organic C mineralization, N fixation, and N2O release. Keystone phylotypes were key to unlocking these functions across vertical soil profiles.
Researchers at UW-Madison have developed a new electrochemical method to extract ammonia and potassium from livestock manure, reducing pollution and producing valuable fertilizers. The technique shows promise in scaling up beyond proof-of-concept stage.
Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.
Scientists have identified two genes, GmMOT1.1 and GmMOT1.2, that control natural variation in molybdate uptake and transport in soybeans. These genes are involved in molybdenum uptake in the roots and root-to-shoot transport of molybdenum, leading to improved molybdenum utilization and soybean yield.
China's total N2O emissions increased from 889.6 Gg yr-1 in 1980 to 2295.0 Gg yr-1 in 2020, with agriculture making the largest contribution until 2015. However, industrial and energetic sources exceeded agriculture and became the fastest-accelerating N2O sources due to increasing demand for adipic acid and fossil fuels.
The study reveals that human-driven global nutrient imbalances are linked to increased risk of diseases such as coeliac and cancer. The research proposes a new strategy for managing fertilizers by adjusting the N:P ratio, potentially enhancing therapy effectiveness against certain cancers.
A model reveals that corn farming in the US Midwest incurs significant health and environmental costs, with air pollution being a major contributor. Implementing alternative management practices can increase profits beyond these costs, but retiring land may be necessary for some counties.
Researchers found that adding a social cost to carbon emissions leads to a significant reduction in fertilizer runoff, resulting in improved water quality and a decrease in the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. The study suggests that implementing a carbon price can help meet the US commitment to the Paris Accord while improving water quality.
Research in Baltimore metropolitan area finds nitrogen-rich fertilizers on lawns contribute to algal blooms and deoxygenated waters. Many homeowners are unaware of the negative impact of their lawn care practices on local ecosystems.
A new method for treating wastewater generated from anaerobic digestion uses coal fly ash to remove pollutants, including COD and TP, with high efficiency. The treatment process also neutralizes pH and reduces heavy metal concentrations, making it suitable for irrigation water.
A global redistribution of nitrogen fertilizer use could reduce grain production in North America, Europe, and East Asia while increasing it in Sub-Saharan Africa. This would decrease nitrogen pollution by 71 percent and positively affect nitrous oxide emissions.
A research team developed a data fusion strategy combining near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for fast and accurate detection of compound fertilizer components. The approach improved accuracy by up to 33.5% compared to LIBS alone.
A new study by the University of Göttingen reveals that oil palms' photosynthesis and response to meteorological and soil conditions play a significant role in N2O production. The research suggests that conventional measurement approaches can underestimate emissions by up to 49%.
Engineering associations between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes using genetic engineering could lessen dependence on synthetic fertilizer. This approach involves bi-directional signaling to release fixed nitrogen, promoting efficient communication between engineered plants and microbes.
The Global Nitrogen Innovation Center for Clean Energy and Environment will address the urgent need to produce ammonia using renewable energy, bolstering clean energy initiatives and combatting climate change. However, green ammonia technology may exacerbate environmental problems if not managed properly.